Arkansas Blog

The open line

* MARKET HIGH: The Dow Jones Industrial Average hit a record today. I think we can credit George W. Bush, don't you?

* WHERE THERE'S A HUCK THERE'S A BUCK: Mike Huckabee has alwasy been virulently anti-gay rights (despite the RNC chair's weird endorsement of Huck as a talker on social issues the other day) so it's no surprise he's drumming up political support by trading on the gay marriage case. It's really just another money-making ploy for his PAC. He's blasted em-mails for donations to a "Save Marriage" Fund. (Who knew it was in danger? Mine isn't.) "Every dollar will be invested in our efforts to elect pro-marriage conservatives to Congress," says Huck. In case you didn't know, Huck rarely makes contributions to candidates. He spends his money to the greater glory of Mike Huckabee, which might include some news releases, talks and such on behalf of others. But it's all about Mike.

* BANKER DIES: Arkansas Business reports that former One Bank CEO Layton "Scooter" Stuart has died after an apparent coronary event.

* WHITE HOUSE HONOR FOR ARKANSAN: A Fayetteville activist and state Board of Education member, Mireya Reith, co-founder and executive director of the Arkansas United Community Coalition (AUCC) will be honored at the White House tomorrow as a Cesar Chavez Champion of Change for her work for Arkansas immigrants. The White House honors Americans who have worked to improve the lives of others and are making positive change in their communities.